Dental implants are commonly recommended for people who have lost one or more teeth. The implants are used to replace the missing teeth and restore the chewing abilities of the dental patient. However, they offer a number of benefits that other restorative treatments, such as dental bridges and dentures do not. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a dental implant over other tooth replacement options:
Less Jawbone Atrophy
As a person ages, sometimes they lose some bone mass. A minute amount of missing bone may have little impact on a person's overall appearance. However, when a significant amount of the jawbone is lost, the face begins to look sunken and worn.
The thickness of the jawbone is maintained by stimulation from biting and chewing. The force of each bite is transferred to the bone by the teeth. However, when a tooth is missing, the gap at the extraction site does not stimulate the underlying bone. Thus, the jawbone in that area may begin to shrink.The longer that a tooth is missing, the greater the atrophy of the jawbone.
Many tooth replacement treatments, such as bridges, do not extend into the bone of the jaw. Instead, a false tooth floats at the gum line. With a dental implant, the device is screwed into the bone of the jaw. There, it assimilates with the jawbone and transfers bite pressure just as a natural tooth would. Therefore, the jawbone continues to receive enough stimulation to protect its density by producing new bone cells.
No Movement While Chewing
Traditional dentures can move about as a person speaks or chews. Not only is this embarrassing, but it can also compromise a person's ability to eat a wide range of foods comfortably. As a result, a person with dentures may suffer nutritionally.
Dental implants can withstand the same bite force as a normal tooth. Thus, once the implant has healed into place, the implant patient can enjoy the same foods that he or she is accustomed to.
No Speech Impairment
Dental appliances, such as dentures, may slip about if they are not secured into place. This slipping can make it necessary for the dental patient to compensate for the appliance by changing his or her speech patterns. As a result, the speech may not be as clear as it was when the patient's natural teeth were in place.
Since a dental implant fits into the space left by a missing tooth and is secured within the jaw, it does not have a negative impact on speech patterns.
To learn more about the advantages of dental implants, schedule an appointment with a dentist, like one from Tijeras Dental Service, in your area.
Share